25.6.11

the garden party dress

There are a myriad of reasons why I mostly wear vintage clothing, and one of the major reasons is that vintage dresses have such soul and character! No modern frock can compare to the feeling of connection to the past and aged patina vintage textiles convey; it's a bit hard to articulate, but I bet you fellow vintage lovers know what I'm talking about.

And yet, when I found this contemporary floral day dress by Boden at a consignment store, I was strangely drawn to it! I walked away from it at first, as it wasn't a huge bargain, but I kept thinking about it, and finally went back and bought it a few days later. It actually looks and feels like a '30s or '40s frock, I think, with that sweet print, collar, and the gathered bust. I even sewed some antique lace ribbon I had in my collection onto the ruffled collar to make it a little more old-fashioned. I must say, it's nice to be able to wear a dress without constantly worrying about tears or popped seams, haha!

Its allure wasn't a total mystery, as it reminds me quite a bit of the dust-soaked '30s day dresses Rita Sue of Carnivaleoften wears:

I wore my new-to-me '20s straw cloche-style sunhat for photos only, as it's in very delicate condition. The silk lining and hatband are quite shattered, so much so that I removed the lining-- it was practically tearing to the touch. It makes a lovely display item in my room, though, and perhaps someday I'll find a worthy use for the lovely velvet flowers.

So lovely! The lace you have added really makes this dress, you could have told me it was old and I think I would have believed you! Dirty it up a bit and it would absolutely fit right in on Carnivale.

And that hat! WOW what a treasure. I just love when things are that delicate. Also, I love the staging for the photo of the hat, the little horse is adorable... it looks as if he is nibbling on the flowers behind him!

When I saw the first picture of you in the dress, It immedietly reminded me of Carnivale! My boyfriend and I are watching it all at the moment.. so I guess I have it on the brain, but still what a coincidence. :) Its a lovely dress, Boden have some lovely things, I realy like their swimwear. That hat is stunning, such an amazing find. xx

Wow! ever since I discovered your blog you've really inspired me to express my vintage style even more and I really love the Dress and it's so sad to hear about the 20's style hat it makes me want to cry in a way.

I of course favor vintage too but also pick up 'vintage-inspired' frocks at consignment shops/Buffalo Exchange as they're handy for wearing to the beach, park and other activities that would roughen up a garment that's already 50 or 60 years old!

The cut of the dress is so flattering and you accessorized it perfectly. I've always wanted a '20s cloche but fear it would be in too delicate of shape to wear.

Such a cute dress, and I love your shoes. I totally understand about the practicality of modern versus vintage, as sometimes you just want something you can throw in the washing machine and be done with it!

I thought I commented on this already, but apparently I did not! i love that hat so much! I hear you on why one would prefer the unique love of vintage where no one else seems to have the same outfit you have, etc. It is just more fun!! Vintage usually DOES have more character as you said!!

There I was looking for pictures of the album cover for Sweetheart of the Rodeo by the Byrds as I'm thinking about having the lovely cowgirl with the heartshaped roses surrounding her as a tattoo on my right arm, when I stumbled upon this blog. These outfits are outstanding! I live in Bath, England, and there are so few of us here that apparently appreciate this kind of thing. I've grown up on the Anthology of American Folk Music, already have a Hank Williams tribute portrait on my left arm, and have written a novel set in the Deep South which will hopefully be published soon. It's incredible coming across this site. Where do you get all these outfits from?

I definitely know what you mean about the certain extra something that vintage clothing has. I love feeling as though my clothes have had these fabulous lives--maybe as a dress someone made for a special occasion, or as a treasured purchase that a young lady saved for. By wearing them, it's like I'm adding to their stories.

This look is just perfect from head to toe, and I love how you personalized the dress a bit to make it more unique. :)

I also love wearing 1940s dresses. They look so feminine.And I like your hat as well! I have problems with finding some vintage hat for me... as my size is 59 cm:/ too big to find the perfect 1940s hat.

N.B.

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